In January, I decided to start streak through the month and run every day. It was the annual MEAN GUY running Beat the Streak running challenge. Once I had successfully completed the month, a friend and MGr member mentioned he planned to streak through the entire year.

With my full time job, wife and two kids, final semester of completing graduate school, and operating MEAN GUY running, I decided I would do the same. I would run (at least one mile) every day in 2017.

Instead of finding the time to run, I made the time to run. It became part of my day. I woke up 45 minutes earlier than usual. I went to bed a half hour later than planned. I stayed at work an extra 20 minutes to run on the treadmill. Whatever it took, and now takes, it happens.

Fortunately, I have been relatively healthy the first 187 days of my streak. (If you do the math, today, July 5th is the 186th day of the year, but I actually started on December 31st). I have had a few head colds and achy body parts, but nothing that has screamed not to run.​Instead of finding time, make the time. I am in no way saying run every day for a year like stupid me. But no more excuses. I made them for too long.Although I have been in charge of (whatever that means) a running club/group for almost seven years, I have been a very MEAN (average) runner. I still am. I am happy to be in the middle of the pack. It’s boring up front alone!

I have run more miles this year already than any other full year since I started running in 2010. Make the commitment. Keep it. Running challenges are a great way to stay motivated and be held responsible! Check them out here.